Rachel's Reflections

Thank God for answering prayers and protecting us from the worst of Cyclone Kenneth! We had terrible winds Thursday night, but not like what they had further north. The main damage here in Pemba is from trees falling down (on wires, walls, roads, and some houses) and some roofing material flying off. Pray for those further north who felt the brunt of the cyclone.  Friday night it poured rain like I've never seen before, with lightning and thunder. A lot of houses had water enter, including my house a little. One of the guard's houses flooded completely and his family lost all their food. It's still raining, and probably will continue off and on for several more days. My friend's barraca store, where I always sit and talk, was robbed of absolutely everything during the strong winds Thursday night. I visited her down in Chibubware today to offer comfort and let her know I would try to help her as I'm able to. As I sat with another friend, I was able to expl...

There is a cyclone approaching northern Mozambique, details are still unclear but Pemba (where I am) will be affected in some way. In the case that I lose communication for a few days: I’ve decided to stay even though the other family I was here with decided to leave. I had no peace about leaving, but felt peace with my decision to stay. I am the only AIM missionary here now, but I have a satellite phone to communicate with my leaders in Kenya and there are other missionaries in the city if I need help. I decided to stay because I am worried about my friends in Chibubware, a dangerous place to be when a lot of rain falls (because of the chance of mudslide) and because it felt strange to even consider leaving when I just arrived. How could I flee at the first sign of uncomfortableness? Why I am here if not for times such as this? To help others, to shine the light of the Gospel, to be God’s hands and feet to those who need it. Instead of worrying about me, please pray and entrus...

I've moved into my new house! :D It belongs to the mission (AIM), but for now I get to call it home :) And it's already beginning to feel like a home... Last week we thought everything was ready, so I moved in, but my Unit Leader had to deal with a few, unexpected headaches: no water, electrical problems, some corruption, etc.  I am grateful to him for handling those problems before he left today. It feels strange to be living in such a big house by myself, but my teammate, Lauren, will join me after she finishes language school in Brazil. When God blesses us with something, it's important to use that to bless others. I pray this will be a place of peace and light in this community. A place where the truth will go out from. A place of ministering to others and offering words of hope . A place where lives will be changed because of the death and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Raquel, come here," Mama R secretively beckoned me into the tiny barraca. Mama S joined us and they proudly whispered their scheme to me. " What do you think? " they asked expectantly. 7 de Abril A significant day in the life of every woman in Mozambique. A day to dress up in brand new, matching capulanas with your friends and celebrate Women's Day. The plan was for me to go with Mama R into the city to pick out our capulanas and for me to make a chocolate cake for their special day. My heart leaped with joy to be included in their plans. What a great idea! Ana, of course, would be included. We would all meet at Mama R's house after Ana and I got back from church. Ana would bring pudding and juice to add to the festivities. The anticipated day came:  We all laughed while trying to arrange the stiff fabric just so on our heads  (I needed a lot of help with mine). I insisted on taking a few pictures to commemorate the day, then ...

Little Theo, my teammates' son, turned 2 on Thursday! Ana, his mom, planned a birthday party for him and as her teammate and friend I offered to help her prepare. All day Wednesday and Thursday morning we made chocolate cupcakes, cooked a variety of different foods, cut out decorations, made a game for the children to play, chose verses to read, and had good conversations. Everyone who came to the party enjoyed themselves, the food was delicious, and Ana, Jhonatan (her husband), and Theo were very happy to host friends in their new home. What a blessing to serve my teammates in this way! Praise God for bringing this team together. Pray that God would continue to unify us for the work ahead of reaching out to the Mwani people with the hope of the Gospel.